Optimal Travel Back Plate?

[N2DeepInAz]

Reef,

Just a few months ago I went through this same dilemma as you just did. I finally decided that I had to have two of those OMS AL plates. I think you're really going to like it. IMO, it's a beautiful looking plate and has all kinds of holes and slots to provide mounting options galore. Plus, I'm partial to how it looks, it's just a really nicely finished plate.

I use one of them for tech diving with my steel doubles and the other I use for my tropical single tank diving with just a 18# wing and basic hog harness & cam straps.

I like to have different rigs setup so I can grab a setup and leave without having to waste time to reconfigure stuff.

 

[Dave616]

Which one do you tend to use the most when traveling... and why?

I'm obviously not diver 85, but I plan to use a BP/W to travel. I like my Scout BC and have been happy with it, but a BP/W requires less lead weight and will ultimately pack up smaller (at least flatter).

I have not decided whether I will bring the AL plate or the Ultralight plate yet. I know I'll be bringing the 18lb. Extreme Wing, Hog harness, Stainless Steel Cam Bands, and two trim weight pockets.

 

[Dave616]

Reef,

Just a few months ago I went through this same dilemma as you just did. I finally decided that I had to have two of those OMS AL plates. I think you're really going to like it. IMO, it's a beautiful looking plate and has all kinds of holes and slots to provide mounting options galore. Plus, I'm partial to how it looks, it's just a really nicely finished plate.

This is exactly what Edd at Cave Adventures told me when I asked "which aluminum plate".
I could find little to no information on the OMS AL plate, other than people do not like OMS's customer service in general, so I trusted Edd's choice.

I like to have different rigs setup so I can grab a setup and leave without having to waste time to reconfigure stuff.

I plan to try the 18lb. wing with both the AL and the Ultralight Plates, but for the most part, each wing will have it's own harness, cam bands, sex bolts.


.

 

[scuba_sirhc]

I have the Oxycheq Ultra Light backplate and Oxycheq 18lbs Mach V.....very light and streamlined setup.

 

[Dave616]

I have the Oxycheq Ultra Light backplate and Oxycheq 18lbs Mach V.....very light and streamlined setup.

Do you use the crotch strap?

I have not had time to try my UL Plate, 18lb. Extreme Wing, and hog harness yet. I have heard some say they do not need the crotch strap with this rig.

I'm also not sure if I will wear a weight belt in conjunction with, or put two extra weight pockets on the hog harness (besides the two cam band weight pockets I already have).

 

[scuba_sirhc]

Do you use the crotch strap?

I have not had time to try my UL Plate, 18lb. Extreme Wing, and hog harness yet. I have heard some say they do not need the crotch strap with this rig.

I'm also not sure if I will wear a weight belt in conjunction with, or put two extra weight pockets on the hog harness (besides the two cam band weight pockets I already have).

I used a crotch strap as I found that the rig will ride up on my body if I don't. I personally don't like the idea of wearing weight belt so I used 2 cam band weight pockets. 2 extra weight pockets on your harness is fine too. It's really a personal preference.